> result=((1-mask)*source)+(mask*destination).
>
>So this is an example of the worst kind of patent: a patent on a mathematical
>expression. Furthermore, a particularly obvious one that many, including
>myself, have been using for years prior to the date of Apple's patent.
Oh, my. They claim they've patented the bitmask?!?!?!?!?!
Bitmasks were being used back in the early 1980's in commercial games.
This patent wasn't requested until 1992. APPLE THEMSELVES WERE USING
THIS IN 1984! Must be a leftover from the "let's patent the icon" days
when they were fighting MS.
--
Les Barstow | e-mail: lbarstow@vr1.com
System Administrator |
VR1, Inc. |
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